The third instalment of Mount Gambier’s late night op shopping event has been hailed a success by attendees and opportunity shop volunteers alike.


Last week seven local op shops including ADRA, Salvation Army Thrift Shop, Salvos Store, Vinnies, Lifeline and Anglican Belltower kept their doors open from 4pm-7pm.


The event was held in conjunction with National Recycling Week and supported by the City of Mount Gambier.


Event coordinator and Anglican Belltower Op Shop manager Trudy-Anne Doyle said Belltower had a great night and the singing by the Choral Society added to the atmosphere.


“Shoppers enjoyed coffee, cake, sausage rolls, pizza and bubbly (which also added to the atmosphere),” she said.


“The shed was open and shoppers picked up lots of bargains.”


Anglican Belltower Op Shop volunteer Margaret manned the till and commented that a number of people appreciated the later opening times so they had the opportunity to attend.


“Others liked the cheerful chatty atmosphere, and the volunteers were also enjoying themselves,” she said.


“Some liked the layout of the op shop.


“Some travellers said they were going to talk to their local op shops about holding a similar event.”


Meanwhile, ADRA volunteer Marilyn said ADRA was very busy and it was a hugely successful night with shoppers enjoying mocktail pina coladas.


“Some of the people that came to ADRA were from Rendelsham and Millicent and many families attended the evening ADRA still find, after four years, that people did not know they existed,” she said.


“It was probably the busiest late night shopping event in the three years it has run for ADRA – they were barely prepared for so many people.”


Vinnies volunteer Chez said the opportunity store had the best night, loved the Christmas spirit and all customers were happy with what they brought at a great price.